Whether you consider yourself a free spirit or not, boho baby names have never been more popular. Despite bohemian sorts being considered socially unconventional, these magical monikers are anything but alternative.
Whether you fancy a nature name or something that personifies a true bohemian spirit, these 75 options definitely check the boho box.
Saffron
Saffron is arguably the most bohemian of spices, conjuring up images (and scents) of the heady 1960s — think incense burning, acoustic guitars and flowing kaftans. Of course, Saffron is also a color name; this spice has a distinctive yellow shade.
Famous Saffrons include English actress Saffron Burrows, and Duran Duran’s Simon Le Bon gave the name to his (now grown) daughter.
Hawk
Although it may be more common as a surname (as in skateboarding icon Tony Hawk or actor Ethan Hawke), Hawk is a bird name that’s growing in popularity for little boys. Currently ranking No. 699 on Nameberry, it can be found in “The Revenant,” “The Path” and Robert B. Parker’s Spenser novels.
Several meanings are associated with this bird of prey, including a deep connection with the spirit world and clear vision.
Cadence
The Latin name Cadence means “rhythm, beat,” making it the perfect choice for music lovers. It enjoyed a brief time in the top 200 on the baby name chart in 2007, and although it’s gone down since then, it will always have a certain mysterious appeal.
Cadence doesn’t often pop up in pop culture, but the narrator heroine in Armistead Maupin’s 1992 novel, “Maybe the Moon,” is an actress called Cadence, and January Jones played a Cadence in 2003’s “American Wedding.”
Milo
It’s not entirely clear where the name Milo came from, although it certainly has Germanic roots. It may be derived from the German mild, meaning “mild, peaceful, calm,” or from the Old Slavonic root milu (merciful).
In 2020, Nameberry revealed that Milo was the most-searched-for boy’s name in the first half of the year — so this is definitely one to watch.
Clover
A girl’s name of English origin meaning “key,” Clover is packed with charm and personality. In recent years, it’s become a celebrity favorite — Natasha Gregson Wagner chose it for her daughter as a tribute to her mother, Natalie Wood, who starred in the iconic movie, “Inside Daisy Clover.”
If you want to bestow good fortune on your new arrival, there’s also the connection with Ireland’s shamrock symbol and the lucky four-leaf clover.
Gideon
The Hebrew name Gideon may have biblical roots, but it has managed to retain a contemporary feel, perhaps because it’s so often overlooked for the likes of Benjamin, James and Samuel.
Of course, the name is associated with the Gideon bibles (symbolizing great work done by few people), but celebrity parents like Neil Patrick Harris and Ziggy Marley have made it super cool.
Calliope
Is it possible to find a girls’ name that sounds more beautiful than Calliope? In fact, the name literally means “beautiful-voiced.” Calliope was a Greek goddess who represented poetry, song, and the arts and sciences, and is depicted holding an epic poem in one hand and a trumpet in the other.
This boho baby name made its first appearance in the U.S. Social Security Administration’s (SSA) top 1,000 list of baby names in 2016 and ranked at No. 705 in 2019.
Fox
As far as one-syllable names go, Fox is one of the most interesting. Not only does it immediately bring to mind the elusive wild animal that roams the forests and deserts of the world, it also has a connection with David Duchovny’s eccentric Fox Mulder in the hugely successful TV series “X Files.”
After the revival of the show in 2016, Fox enjoyed a popularity boost.
Harper
Harper ticks so many boxes — it’s an on-trend “occupational” name, it’s an equally on-trend surname (particularly in Ireland), and it has a musical connection. It’s also been given the A-list seal of approval by the likes of Lisa Marie Presley, Eddie Vedder, Neil Patrick Harris, and David and Victoria Beckham.
In Scotland and northern England, the harper was one of the most important figures of a medieval baronial hall. And, of course, author Harper Lee is another inspiration for the literary crowd.
Sparrow
Another bird name (part of the finch family), Sparrow is a popular, gender-neutral baby name. The most famous Sparrow is the son of Joel Madden and Nicole Richie — full name Sparrow James Midnight Madden.
It’s cool and creative and more than holds its own with the likes of Lark and Phoenix.
Aria
The name Aria is a girl’s name of Hebrew and Italian origin meaning “air; song or melody.” In this case, “air” has a musical meaning — a song-like vocal or instrumental composition.
The perfect little sister for Cadence and Calliope, perhaps — or maybe even a brother. After all, Aria is a male name in Persian and considered unisex in India.
Avery
Another non-gendered name, Avery means “ruler of the elves.” It’s history goes back to the MIddle Ages when the Norman-French gave the Anglo-Saxon name Alfred and the Ancient Germanic name Alberich an alternative pronunciation.
For girls, Avery is one of the most popular “A” names and ranked No. 18 on the SSA list in 2019.
Monet
With a name like Monet, you can have high hopes for a creative, spirited child. The French Impressionist painter Claude Monet is the most famous connection, of course.
But actress Monet Mazur, daughter of the artist who designed the Rolling Stones’ mouth logo, has given it a contemporary edge.
River
Water names have an instant bohemian vibe — what’s more calming than a flowing body of water? River comes from the Latin word ripa, which means “riverbank.”
It’s most popular as a boys’ name (the late actor River Phoenix being the obvious example), but it’s growing as a girls’ name, too.
Birdie
Actress Busy Phillips has helped to make the name Birdie cool again — she named her child after First Lady Lady Bird Johnson. Meaning “bright, famous; little bird,” it has a long history as a nickname for Bertha and Birdena, but Birdie deserves recognition as a name in its own right.
In the 1880s, Birdie was a regular in the top 200.
Cub
If you want an animal name for the latest addition to your pack, but don’t fancy Fox or Wolf, Cub brings all the cute. It’s also a great choice if one of your name requirements is “the shorter, the better.”
The only question is, lion or bear?
India
The OG place name, India is exotic and evocative. Always popular, it enjoyed a surge in 2013, becoming one of the fastest-rising names on the SSA chart after jumping 240 places back into the top 1,000.
Famous bearers of the name include prolific ex-model India Hicks and singer India Arie.
Aspen
Place names and nature names are hot, and Aspen ticks both those boxes. In nature, it’s an elegant tree in the poplar family; it’s also the name of a hip Colorado ski resort.
For boho types, the former is probably the most attractive meaning.
Amethyst
A girls’ name of Greek origin, Amethyst means “precious purple jewel.” Amethyst beads are often used in meditation practices, as Tibetan Buddhists link their spiritual qualities with Buddha.
The jewel is believed to promote calm and serenity, and help reduce anxiety and perceptions of pain.
Asher
Meaning “fortunate, blessed, happy one,” the Hebrew name Asher comes from osher (or happiness). In biblical times, Asher was a son of Jacob. Although the name took a lengthy 100-year break from the SSA’s top 1,000 until the 1990s, it has been back in the top 100 for many years.
Many parents shorten it to Ash, and although it’s most commonly found in boys, we reckon it makes a lovely girls’ name, too.
Luna
A name that means “the moon” in Latin has an instant otherworldly flavor. Luna is also the Roman goddess of the moon, often depicted traveling through the night sky in her ornate chariot.
This celestial name was chosen by celebrity parents John Legend and Chrissy Teigen for their daughter.
Arlo
A boy’s name of Spanish origin, Arlo may have originated as a short form of the Italian name Carlo and was first used by Edmund Spenser in “The Faerie Queene.”
It’s been hugely popular in recent years (particularly in the U.K.), possibly inspired by the character Arlo Givens on the TV show, “Justified,” or the fact that actor Toni Colette chose it for her son. The spelling variation of Arlowe is also becoming a surprise hit for baby girls.
Meadow
For nature-loving free spirits, Meadow evokes an image of a wide, open space filled with blooming wildflowers.
And while this isn’t an image typically associated with gangsters, one of the most famous fictionalized mob bosses chose it for his daughter — Tony Soprano himself.
Waverly
The Old English name Waverly, meaning “meadow of quivering aspens,” has a long history. Spelled Waverley, it’s the title of Sir Walter Scott’s classic 1814 novel, whose protagonist is a young English soldier named Edward Waverley.
Without the “e,” it’s a character in “The Princess Bride” and “The Joy Luck Club.”
Skye
Sky has always had a hippie edge, but the more popular spelling is Skye, as in the picturesque Scottish island. It first charted in the U.S. in 1987 and is also a much-loved middle name choice.
Of course, soap opera fans might connect it to Skye Chandler, the character on “All My Children,” “One Life to Live” and “General Hospital.”
Kai
Kai (pronounced kye) is truly a name of the world. Depending on who you believe, it has Welsh, Greek, Scandinavian, Japanese or Hawaiian roots. It also has several meanings, including “keeper of the keys; earth,” “sea” and “forgiveness.”
Can you get more multicultural? Kai ranks for both boys and girls, but it’s much more popular for girls, ranking at No. 100 in 2019.
Rainbow
If color is your thing, you can’t get a brighter name than Rainbow. There aren’t many famous Rainbows out there, but former Playboy Mansion occupee Holly Madison chose it for her daughter.
And, of course, there’s Rainbow Brite if 1980s animation appeals.
Leif
A Scandinavian name meaning “heir, descendant,” Leif has an obvious connection with nature. In fact, Joaquin Phoenix was Leaf before he changed his name.
But the original Scandinavian spelling has plenty of famous bearers, including Icelandic explorer Leif Erikson and 1970s teen idol Leif Garrett.
Daisy
A popular English name for girls, Daisy is surely one of the sweetest, freshest flower names. Originally a nickname for Margaret (the French Marguerite is the word for the flower), it means “day’s eye” and is currently second only to Delilah of girls’ names beginning with “D.”
Daisy has enjoyed plenty of attention in popular culture, from Daisy Miller in the Henry James novella of the same name to Julia Roberts’ character in “Mystic Pizza” — her breakthrough role.
Coyote
Looking for a nature name that makes a strong statement? Look no further than Coyote. But be prepared to raise a wild child, as Coyote has a definite dangerous edge.
In the popular Netflix sitcom, “Grace & Frankie,” Coyote is Frankie and Sol’s adopted son.
Eden
Naming your child Eden might up your chances of a harmonious family life. It’s the name of the garden where Adam and Eve first lived, and today, it means “a place of pristine or abundant natural beauty.”
After breaking into the SSA’s top 1,000 in 1989, Eden got a boost when actress Marcia Cross (of “Desperate Housewives”) chose it for one of her twin girls.
Heath
What’s more boho than giving your son a name that means “the heathland dweller?” Heath is of English origin, although the most famous bearer is the late Heath Ledger.
His tragic death at age 28 hasn’t made this offbeat name off limits; it’s still in the top 1,000.
Aurelia
The female form of the Latin name Aurelius, an ancient Roman surname meaning “golden,” Aurelia has an undeniable exoticism. After more than 60 years out of the SSA’s top 1,000, Aurelia made a comeback in 2012.
There aren’t many celebrity kids named Aurelia, but Arnold Schwarzenegger chose it as one of his daughter’s middle names, as a tribute to his mom.
Acton
Like many female writers in the pre-1900s, Anne Bronte wrote under a pseudonym. Her choice was Acton Bell, which is even cooler today than it was in the 19th century.
The English name Acton means “village with oak trees,” and it’s also one of the highest peaks in Antarctica.
Bluebell
Traditionally, bohemian parents have favored flower names, and Bluebell is no exception. This flower symbolizes gratitude and humility, and is also associated with everlasting love.
In his 1818 poem “Fancy,” Keats named the Bluebell the “Sapphire queen of the mid-May.”
Leo
From the Latin for “lion,” Leo is a short boys’ name that makes a big impression. Back in Roman times, Leo was a name worthy of emperors, kings, popes and saints.
Plus, of course, there’s the astrology connection — the fifth sign of the Zodiac is considered to be dynamic and passionate.
Celeste
Meaning “heavenly,” Celeste is a Latin name that hasn’t dropped out of the top 1,000 since records began. It’s pretty and demure, and could be short for Celestine or Celestina.
It appears to be a popular choice for sporty types, from Australian cricketer Celeste Raack to American soccer player Celeste Boureille.
Clay
Clay may be a popular TV name, featured in everything from “Sons of Anarchy” to “13 Reasons Why” as well as Clay Aiken from “American Idol.”
But its rich, earthy meaning will resonate with parents who enjoy a strong connection with nature.
Serendipity
Move over Joy and Faith, Serendipity is a virtue name (meaning “unexpected good fortune”) with a difference. Apparently, the first recorded use of the word “serendipity” in the English language was by Horace Walpole, who used it in a 1754 letter to his friend Horace Mann.
Talking about his surprise discovery of a lost painting. Walpole referred to a Persian fairytale, “The Three Princes of Serendip,” writing that the princes were “always making discoveries, by accidents and sagacity, of things which they were not in quest of.”
Ophelia
Ophelia is from the Greek word for “help,” but the name seems to have been invented by William Shakespeare for Hamlet’s tragic heroine. It made a re-entry onto the baby name chart in 2015 and has soared ever since.
In fact, according to Nameberry, it’s one of only nine girls’ names beginning with “O” in the top 1,000. In the celebrity world, actress Patricia Neal and author Roald Dahl chose the name for their daughter, as did musician Dave Grohl.
Ocean
A boys’ name of Aboriginal origin, Ocean is another nature name with an aquatic vibe. Basically, if Lake and River aren’t grand enough, Ocean is the answer.
There are also the variations Oceanus (as in the child who was born during the voyage of the Mayflower) and the French high-ranker Oceane.
Rebel
If you want to encourage independent thought and a bit of an attitude in your offspring, the name Rebel says it all. Although it’s most famous for belonging to the Australian actress Rebel Wilson, it’s an edgy choice for a boy, too.
It could even be a tribute to the most famous “Rebel Without a Cause” — actor James Dean.
Orion
According to Greek legend, Orion was a hunter who chased the seven daughters of Atlas before being killed by the goddess Artemis and turned into a constellation in the night sky by Zeus.
This gives it both mythical and celestial connections — either way, it’s an exotic choice that also makes an appearance in the “Harry Potter” books.
Wolf
Whether you love the wild animal or the longer Wolfgang, the name Wolf is short — but definitely not sweet. Notable Wolfs include British screenwriter Wolf Mankowitz, CNN newscaster Wolf Blitzer and painter Wolf Kahn.
If Wolf is just a little too fierce, the nickname Wolfie gives it an instant cute factor.
Wren
Known in Ireland as “magician of the birds,” Wren is a little bird name with a difference. Since it first entered the top 1,000 in 2012, it’s risen steadily and ranked at No. 428 in the U.S. in 2019.
However, it’s still best known as a surname, as in the celebrated architect Sir Christopher Wren, who designed London’s St. Paul’s Cathedral in the 18th century.
Zephyr
Zephyr dates back to Ancient Greek times to the god of the west wind, Zephyrus. Accordingly, the meaning attached to the name is “west wind.”
Just as good for a girl as a boy, it can also be shortened to the endearing Zeph.
Autumn
Currently the most popular of all four season names, Autumn doesn’t have to be restricted to fall babies.
In the celebrity world, Jennifer Love Hewitt named her daughter Autumn James, and there’s also a royal connection. Peter Phillips, a grandson of Queen Elizabeth II, married Autumn Kelly in 2008.
Bodhi
A boys’ name of Sanskrit origin meaning “awakening, enlightenment,” Bodhi has strong links to the Buddhist concept of nirvana, which is freedom from hate and greed. Apparently, it was under the Bodhi tree (a large type of fig tree) that the founder of Buddhism became enlightened.
And thanks to Patrick Swayze’s character in the 1981 film “Point Break,” it also has a surfer-dude sensibility.
Brooke
Brooke Shields made the name Brooke on trend when she was an aspiring actress in the late 1970s, and since then, it’s featured on TV shows like “Melrose Place” and “One Tree Hill.”
A brook is a small body of water, and the “e” on the end makes it the most stylish of water names.
Bowie
Musician David Bowie (who changed his surname from Jones in 1965 to differentiate himself from The Monkees’ Davy Jones) has single handedly made Bowie one of the coolest first names — for a girl or a boy.
Actor Jackson Rathbone chose it for his daughter, and Zoe Saldana and Tess Holiday have both welcomed little-boy Bowies.
Terra
An obvious earthy choice is Terra, with a Latin origin that literally means “earth.”
It’s a unisex option that checks all the boxes for a boho babe.
Joaquin
A variation of actor Joaquin Phoenix’s original name, Leaf, already made the list, but we thought Joaquin was also worth a mention.
A Spanish baby name that’s currently popular in South America, Joaquin means “God will judge,” with an emphasis on tolerance and non-judgment.
Rio
Another unisex name, Rio means “place of the cherry blossoms,” but it’s also the Spanish word for “river.”
It’s especially popular among baby girls in Japan, but we think it has quite the bohemian edge as well.
Forrest
This nature name means “dweller near the woods” and is, of course, synonymous with the movie, “Forrest Gump.”
Briar
This name has several connotations. It could be a nod to the “Sleeping Beauty” fairytale, but it also means “thorny patch,” giving it an earthy vibe.
It entered the U.S. chart for the first time in 2015 as a unixex name, as some parents are choosing it as a more modern variation of Brian.
Jairo
A Spanish name that means “he shines,” Jairo is a name that will have you singing The Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” in no time.
Coral
Yes, there’s the color that this name may be associated with, but it also brings to mind a coral reef — another free-spirited choice for a baby girl (or boy).
Jett
Bohemians like their crystals and gems, so it’s hard to find a better-fitting name then Jett.
Inspired by the “jet black” mineral that’s formed when wood is put under extreme pressure, this name could be seen as one that helps reduce negative energy.
Fern
A plant name, Fern is also linked to the children’s classic “Charlotte’s Web,” making it good for those that love both nature and literature.
Denver
Denver is a place name that also means “green valley” — perfect for any free spirits living in Colorado.
Dove
This bird name has a strong association with peace, a symbol that has long been tied to the hippie subculture.
Nova
This celestial name represents natural energy, as it’s a term for a star that suddenly becomes brighter and then fades.
It also comes from the Latin “novus,” which means “new.”
Willow
This unisex name is associated with the willow tree, which symbolizes hope.
It has become super popular in literature, making appearances in everything from Shakespeare to “Harry Potter.”
Ford
For those parents who enjoy living by water, a ford is a shallow place in a river or stream.
The name literally translates to “dweller at the ford.”
Lake
Another aquatic name, Lake is an alternative to the more common River, Ocean or Brooke.
Of course, actress Lake Bell wears this name ever so cooly.
Rain
We already have Rainbow on this list, but what about simply Rain?
It can also be spelled Raine, Rainn, Reine or Reign.
Sage
Burning sage is seen as a way to ward off bad luck.
Of course, it’s also an herb that works as another unisex name to add to the list.
Eartha
Similar to Terra, this is a boho name that means “of the earth.”
You can expect any free-spirited babe with this name to be grounded.
Bayu
Bayu is an Indonesian name that means “wind.”
It’s similar to the English name, Bayou, and can even be shortened to Bay for an excellent nickname.
Rhiannon
This Welsh name means “divine queen” and would be the perfect tribute to the ultimate gypsy: singer Stevie Nicks.
Nicks apparently wrote the lyrics to the song, “Rhiannon,” in only 10 minutes just months before joining Fleetwood Mac in 1974.
Juniper
This plant name means “young” and is associated with the shrub that thrives in almost any setting.
Verdi
Verdi means “green” in Italian and several other romance languages.
For those parents that make a point of being one with the land, this is the perfect choice for a babe who will hopefully be born with a green thumb.
Quinn
Quinn is another unisex name that already has a song, “Mighty Quinn,” written by Bob Dylan in 1967.
Manfred Mann made it famous a year later, but true Dylan fans will know that it was later released in 2014 by Dylan and The Band on “The Basement Tapes Complete – The Bootleg Series Vol. 11.”
Seb
Another earthy name, Seb is an Egyptian name that means “God of the earth” and is sometimes a nickname for Sebastian.
But we prefer the shorter, zippier version.
Enya
Enya is a variation of the Irish name, Eithne, which means “fire.”
Of course, the 1990s singer-songwriter Enya (born Eithne) made this name all the more cool.